SAFETY ALERT: Pyrotechnic airbag storage and handling

What’s changing? 

Following reports of potential defects in pyrotechnic airbags, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have made changes to how employers store these types of devices in order to make sure the safety devices aren’t compromised before installation. Workplaces storing pyrotechnic airbags may need to hold a license if the device is classified under UN Hazard Class 1. This license makes sure that the storage facilities meet stringent safety regulations designed to reduce risks associated with these devices.  

The pyrotechnic airbags must be stored in their original packaging and kept in secure, designated areas in order to minimise the risk of accidental activation or damage.  

Employees who handle pyrotechnic airbags must have comprehensive training. This training should cover the risks that come along with these devices and focus on the importance of the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe handling. Proper training is essential to prevent accidents and make sure that all safety protocols are followed.  

 

What does the law say?  

Businesses have to comply with the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015. These regulations outline the requirements for placing pyrotechnic articles on the market in Great Britain and make sure that all safety standards are met. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory to keep your workplace safe and avoid legal repercussions.  

 

What are pyrotechnic airbags? 

Pyrotechnic airbags are safety devices used in vehicles to protect occupants during a collision. They consist of a flexible fabric bag, an inflator unit, and a pyrotechnic gas generator.  

They’re made up of a fabric bag which is connected to an inflator unit, fuelled by a pyrotechnic gas generator. Vehicles that have this type of airbag installed also have sensors to trigger their deployment in the event of a collision. The sensor being triggered causes the gas generator to let off a small explosive charge to rapidly inflate the fabric bag, protecting people in the vehicle from impact and debris.  

 

What are the risks? 

Physical injury: Improper handling can lead to severe injuries, such as burns, cuts, or even dismemberment. The explosive charge in the airbag inflator can cause significant harm if accidentally triggered.  

Fire hazard: Pyrotechnic airbags can pose a fire risk if exposed to high temperatures or open flames. This is particularly concerning in environments where flammable materials are present.  

Poisoning: Some components of pyrotechnic airbags may contain toxic substances. If these substances are released due to damage or improper handling, they can pose a poisoning risk.  

Explosive risk: The airbags are classified under various UN Hazard Classes, indicating their potential to explode under certain conditions. This requires careful storage and handling to prevent accidental detonation.  

Regulatory compliance: Failure to comply with safety regulations and licensing requirements can lead to legal repercussions and increased risk of accidents 

Device compromised: Mishandling or incorrect storage of the pyrotechnic airbags may result in them being damaged and not working as intended.  

 

What needs to be in place?  

Workplaces handling pyrotechnic airbags will need to check with the suppliers if the devices are classified UN Hazard Class 1, which would then require the customer to have a license from the local authority for handling the devices.  

Airbags should be kept in their original transport packaging and kept in a secure, designated area. The designated area needs to be well ventilated, dry and free of heat, ignition or electrical sources to mitigate the risk of accidental activation.  

Employees handling pyrotechnic airbags must receive proper training. This includes understanding the risks associated with these devices and following the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe handling. Training should cover the correct procedures for moving, installing, and disposing of airbags.  

You’ll need to carry out and regularly review risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with the storage and handling of pyrotechnic airbags. Implement control measures to reduce these risks and make sure that all safety protocols are up to date.  

The HSE has a checklist to help you carry out your risk assessment. It can be downloaded from the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg476ch.pdf  

 

Guidance overview  

Initial requirements 

• Under the Explosives Regulations 2014, make sure you have the required licenses for storing pyrotechnic airbags, especially if they are classified under UN Hazard Class 1. 

• It’s recommended you get a license from local authorities even if you only plan to store small quantities of these devices. 

• Make sure you’re compliant with the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 and other relevant safety standards.  

• If you are selling pyrotechnic articles, you have duties under the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010. 

• Make sure all employees handling airbags receive comprehensive training on the risks and safe handling procedures.  

 

Storage 

Do                                                                                               Keep airbags in their original transport packaging to minimise the risk of accidental activation.   Perform regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement control measures.   Make sure appropriate signage and safety labels are displayed in the designated area.  Store airbags in a secure, designated area that is well ventilated, dry, and not close to sources of heat or ignition.  Keep airbags and seat belt pretensioners in a room set aside solely for that purpose or in a substantial container or cage which:  Has no exposed iron or steel  Is easy to keep clean  Can be closed and locked  Secured to the wall or floor if possible  Always kept dry

Don’t  Store airbags in containers other than their original transport packaging.   Store pyrotechnic articles near an escape route or fire exit.  Store containers or cages nearby:  Oils, paints and other flammable material  Areas where hot work is taking place e.g. welding or brazing  Electricity cables, sockets, distribution boards etc.  Store airbags near sources of heat, open flames, or any potential ignition sources.

 

Handling 

Do  Keep to the manufacturer’s guidelines for handling, installing, and disposing of airbags.   Report any damage to devices or accidents involving them.   If airbags are supplied within a component (steering column, door or seat) check with your supplier regarding any classification or precautions to take.  If work is required on an airbag module, e.g. for testing, it must be mounted securely which allows sufficient space for the bag to inflate should it be triggered accidentally.  Seek the advice of your supplier before disposing of any deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners as they are treated as hazardous waste  Be aware it’s illegal to dispose of explosives as normal waste. Domestic or Commercial waste bins must not be used for disposing of undeployed airbags or seat belt pretensioners of UN Hazard Class 1.

Don’t  Allow untrained people to handle pyrotechnic airbags.   Neglect safety precautions such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling airbags.  Place your head or body close to the front of an undeployed airbag, when fitting or removing from vehicle.  Attempt to repair or modify airbag modules.  Place an airbag module, or steering wheel assembly fitted with an airbag, face down against hard surface.  Empty pyrotechnic articles into metal dustbins.

 

Please note that we’re providing this information because your business might be affected – but we don’t cover explosive items and articles under our advice guarantee.